Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-01
autHs tn the psAno, the princsss p.ayed a

strangely appropriate, that IL seemed to
Fairfax as if he were in a land of encnant-
ment, or dreaming. But six hours had
elapsed since he had seen, only for mo-
ment, and become helplessly fascinated
with the most lovely being he had ever be-
held Fortune had also willed it that he
should not only learn the name of his fair
stranger as well as the haunts of her ar
tistic labors, but, also, should become the
present poSsesSor of certain valued belong
ings of hers, while, to cap the climax, he was,
now, not only N her presence, but one of his IA
vorite ballads, that had been ringing through
his brain, ever since he had read it en-
graved upon the handle of the recovered
lnife-that very song she was actually now
singing, with voice glorious and strong:
and, yet, SO sweet and deeply sympathetic
that it thrilled every fiber of his being with
pleasure SO subtle that il was akin to
pain. Many did not restrain their tears,
and all were visibly affected. When she
finished, no applause followed. The unusual
silence was far more commendatOry. A
gentle pressure of Nataie's hand by the
Warehouses, and quiet: ''Thank you, my
DEAR from the old gentleman, spoke vol
umes of praise.
Her cloak, trimmed with white ermine,
was thrown over the Princess beautiful
neck and shoulders; her own white fingers
deity encased the shapely head in its rich
covering, leaving the far-shining star still
visible.
Kissing the Marchioness, she turned to
the guests, who rose unanimously, and,
making a pretty bow, took the arm of the
Marquis and walked down the hall toward
the door. AS she passed by, Fairfax heard
her say:
''That song has haunted me all the even
ing and can not get rid of it.''
He involuntarily started, for had he not
been in the same predicament2
"a few hours ago." continued she IT
discovered that 1 had lost precious gift
that my brother gave to me, just before he
died. The first few bars of that, his ia
vorite ballad, were engraved upon it. am
very sad over its loss"-
Here Fairfax lost her words. He was
seized with an almost uncomfortable desire
to hasten after her and restore the Lost
knife 10 its proper owner But the Lady
Lydia, who had been watching him with the
eye of lynx. remarked, sarcastically:
''Surely you don't intend pursuing an en-
tire stranger, after refusing an introduce
ton to her:'
Recalled to his senses, Fairfax regarded
his fair tormcntor moment, half in en-
treaty, half in defiance; then, assuming his
usual bravado spirit. gave her his arm.
He was filed with Joy. "Otto," then,
was only her brother and not lover.
Success had crowned all the young mans
efforts. He had discovered far more about
the Princess than he had even dared to hope
for, and-far above aul-had been honored
by more than passing glance from her.
A wild delirium of joy came OYER him.
The turn in the tide of his life had, at last,
come. He would take it
Abandoning himself to the delight of the
moment, he waltzed as he had never waltzed
before and found worthy companion in
Lydia, who moved through the dance with
marvellous ease and grace. Neither had
ever before met with such partner. Their
dancing was so remarkable that ell the
others paused to watch them. The orches-
ira was inspired and the music transport
ingly sweet.
In the case of Fairfax, this display was
simply vent to his suddenly aroused and
violent feeiing-the expression of passion
ate Joy. With the girl it was the effort of
will stirred by pique. Wealthy, titled, adj
mired, dlrdyS accustomed to easy conquest
and fattery, she was, from the first, an
noyed by the lack of interest which this
stranger displayed. 1t was something new
to her. Conquest had begotten in her the
love of conquest. All men paid homage to
her. She expected and liked their flattery,
and yet, despised them for it. She had now
to deal with strange and mysterious type
of character. This man not only failed to
admire her but, elso, was scarcely civil.
Her attention was Immediately attracted
and her love of conquest aroused. She de-
termined to conquer; but in endeavoring TO
interest, she. herself. became interested,
and, recognizing the fact, grew angry with
herself for this weakness. She was an
noyed with herself because of the little
pang awakened at the effect of Natalie's APP
pearance upon Fairfax. She tried to laugh
her uncomfortable feeling away, but in
vain.
at last, sac determined to find out why
Fairfax had become so embarrassed by
Natalie's presence. Now that the latter had
gone, Lydia's cavalier was himself again.
She had no rival He was hers-at least,
for the time being, and she resolved to
make the most of her opportunity.
Always an admirable dancer, she put
forth extraordinary efforts to Guido herself
With Fairfax, all was unconscious abandon
ment to the moment. His spirits infected
hers. The music was ravishing. In a
dream they seemed to float around the room.
Passing by one of the windows, he dexter
ously guided her toward. it, and, arm in
arm, by tacit consent, they passed out, on
to the balcony.
Fountains played softly around them in
the moonlight. The delicate, subtle per-
fume of flowers was waited by, on the
balny air. The music, softened by dis
lance, was a breath of poesy and tender
LESS, Wnlle inc glorious moonlight SnItereQ
and shimmered through the patterlng leaves
overhead.
This was her opportunity. But it was
his, too. Her viii was no longer predomi-
nant. She was half in love with, and most
decidedly interested in, this original, strange |
fellow. She could not deciphor him; yet
knew that he was worthier, better and far
more to be respected than the society fops
who had hitherto surrounded her.
On the other hand, he simply admired this
creature. That was all. He
had cold-bloodedly formed plan. That plan
required the assistance of the Lady Lydia.
He was himself again; self-possessed,
knowing what he wanted, what were the
best methods by which to obtain it; and,
above all, thoroughly self-re2iant-